Denny Hamlin sees no problem with the controversial decision to call a yellow flag at the end of the 2024 Daytona 500. The opening race of the NASCAR Cup season had a total of five yellow flags, the lowest number since the start of the 2004 season. All five incidents were significant and had a major impact on the race. The race was even ended one lap early due to an accident involving [removed driver names].
During the race, Chastain tried to take the lead by going for an opening that didn’t exist, resulting in contact with Cindric, who was being pushed from behind by [removed driver name]. As a result, cars No.1 and No.2 spun in the infield grass, allowing [removed driver name] to take the lead and ultimately win the race. The No. 2 Ford started to get back on the track, forcing NASCAR to call a yellow flag. Byron, who was leading at the time the yellow flag was waved, was declared the winner.
However, controversy quickly arose on social media, with some claiming that the yellow flag was waved too early and that NASCAR should have allowed Bowman and Byron to continue racing. Hamlin, a veteran driver for JGR, defended NASCAR on his podcast, stating that controversy is natural and that the correct decision was made, since a Hendrick Motorsports car won the race. Hamlin also emphasized the dangerous position of Cindric’s wrecked car.
In the opening of the Xfinity Series, a similar accident occurred on the final lap, but NASCAR did not wave a yellow flag and allowed race leaders Austin Hill and Sheldon Creed to battle for the win. Unlike the Cup race, both drivers had already passed the white flag, and there was no vulnerable position like Cindric’s car. Hamlin used this point to support the decision to wave a yellow flag in the incident that ended the Daytona 500 race.
According to the source firstsportz.com
